Agriculture

Reductions in nonpoint source(NPS) pollution can be attained by reducing activities that produce NPS pollutants, reducing the amount of pollutants generated by an existing activity and reducing the negative effects these pollutants can have by controlling their dispersal. To that end, NPS best management practices (BMPs) are important tools in controlling NPS pollution and environmental contamination.

While there are many sources of NPS pollution, agriculture is among the most significant in Virginia. Because agriculture requires many acres, its potential impact on water quality is great. For example, one EPA study estimates that 27 percent of the phosphorus and 60 percent of the nitrogen entering the Chesapeake Bay originate from cropland. These pollutants need to be controlled in order to protect the environment.

Tri-County/City Soil & Water Conservation District (TCCSWCD) has served the Commonwealth of Virginia Counties of King George, Spotsylvania, Stafford since 1944 and the City of Fredericksburg since 1984. We are a local political subdivision of the Commonwealth, focusing on natural resource problems and solutions. Like other conservation districts, Tri-County/City SWCD is self-governed and non-profit and establishes priorities, sets policy, and administers programs to conserve soil and water resources.

Tri-County/City SWCD is not a regulatory agency. Instead, the agency provides technical assistance, information, educational programs, volunteer opportunities, and newsletters to citizens on many aspects of water quality, nonpoint source pollution, and stream health.